Presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is making strides in selecting her running mate, with a meeting scheduled Sunday with the top contenders for the position. Among those being considered are Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, and Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona.
According to sources familiar with the plans, both governors are traveling to Washington for an interview with Harris. The Washington Post first reported on the interviews with Harris’ top VP contenders. Additionally, Harris is conducting formal interviews with candidates who have not been confirmed in the media, both in person and virtually.
Shapiro, one of the nation’s most popular governors, boasts a 60% approval rating according to a recent Quinnipiac poll. He has held statewide office three times, twice as state attorney general and once as governor. Notably, as Pennsylvania’s top law enforcement official, Shapiro oversaw the investigation of widespread sexual abuse by hundreds of priests and a decades-long cover-up by the Catholic church.
Walz, a former congressman serving his second term as governor, also enjoys high approval ratings. With Democrats controlling both chambers of the state legislature during his second term, Walz has implemented numerous progressive priorities, including protecting abortion access, legalizing recreational marijuana, and expanding paid family leave.
Kelly, the junior senator from Arizona, is a political centrist and former astronaut married to former Rep. Gabby Giffords. Giffords, a gifted politician, was tragically injured and left disabled by an assassination attempt in 2011. Kelly and Giffords have since become prominent advocates for gun safety, founding a gun control policy organization in her name. Kelly’s background includes service in the Navy as a fighter pilot and decorated combat veteran before embarking on a career as an astronaut.
The Associated Press reported that Harris is also considering Govs. Andy Beshear of Kentucky and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, as well as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg as potential running mates. President Biden has been involved in discussions with Harris regarding her choice for a running mate, but he deferred to her judgment on the matter.
Harris is expected to announce her vice presidential pick by Tuesday, with plans for her and the chosen candidate to campaign together in battleground states in the coming week. Despite securing a majority of pledged and automatic delegates in the electronic roll call, the voting process remains open until Monday.
The selection of a running mate is a crucial decision for Harris as she prepares to face off against the Republican ticket in the upcoming election. The chosen candidate will play a significant role in shaping the campaign’s message and policies, as well as potentially serving as a key advisor and partner in governing if the ticket is successful.
The process of vetting and selecting a running mate is a complex and highly strategic undertaking, involving considerations of political experience, policy expertise, demographic appeal, and personal compatibility. Harris must weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each contender, as well as the potential impact of their selection on key constituencies and swing voters.
As the deadline for announcing her running mate approaches, the stakes are high for Harris and her campaign. The choice she makes will not only shape the dynamics of the campaign but also reflect her vision for the future of the country and her leadership style as a potential president.
In conclusion, the selection of a running mate is a critical moment in any presidential campaign, and Harris’ decision will be closely watched and analyzed by political observers and voters alike. The choice she makes will have far-reaching implications for the outcome of the election and the direction of the country in the years to come.
